Government has announced further funding to tackle the bullying of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) young people in schools.

Penny Mordaunt said government is "stepping up its work to tackle bullying in schools". Picture: UK Parliament

Minister for women and equalities Penny Mordaunt announced the money alongside plans to launch an LGBT Advisory Panel to advise the government on policy, act as a sounding board, and provide evidence on LGBT people's experiences.

In schools, voluntary and charitable organisations are being offered a share of up to £1m to extend an existing anti-bullying scheme that is currently operating in 1,200 schools. The money will also be available to provide teacher training on how to spot early signs of bullying, how to intervene, and to provide teaching resources on LGBT issues.

Meanwhile, a further £1m will be available to organisations focusing on young people's health and social care to address concerns over LGBT people reporting negative experiences while trying to access services.

The remaining £600,000 will be offered to local community groups to improve organisations' skills through training and help them become more sustainable.